Working together

I love the chorus of KING of KINGS by Hillsong:  Praise the FATHER, Praise the SON, Praise the SPIRIT, 3 in ONE.  GOD of glory, Majesty, Praise forever to the King of kings.

Today let’s look one specific thing true about GOD.  HE is one GOD, yet there are 3 persons in the GODHEAD. That is what we call the trinity.  Elsewhere it is called the GODHEAD.

The Shema (shema means hear) is the oldest and most important prayer in Judaism. It forms an important part of Jewish evening and morning prayer and is used as a Jewish confession of faith.

Deuteronomy 6:4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord (YHWH) our God (Elohim -plural form- that means supreme over all) is one Lord (YHWH).

By looking at the word forms of this confession of faith shows that YAHWEH (the LORD) is plural in existence although one in character, attributes and purpose.  You and I in effect speak of the Shema when we talk about the trinity.

It is exciting to see the THREE in ONE in action working together for the THREE in ONE do all things together, working in conjunction/ unity with one another. We see glimpses of this in many places because the persons of the GODHEAD do not work independently but as a unity in joint effort.

Ever thought about who is being spoken of during Creation when GOD said, “Let US make man in OUR image” in Genesis 1:26. Who are the US and the OUR?   Looking at the details we notice the number of persons seen by the pronouns is plural, but the image is singular.  That is because each of the 3 persons of the GODHEAD possess the exact same divine nature (such as love, joy, peace, gentleness, kindness, goodness, patience and so on.)

Here are a few glimpses into how the 3 persons of the GODHEAD work in unity and are ONE.

ln Creation (Genesis 1)

1-GOD the FATHER designed creation for HE works all things after the counsel of HIS own will (Ephesians 1:11) All comes from GOD the FATHER (James 1:17)

2-JESUS the WORD-GOD created all things through JESUS the Word, nothing was made without JESUS (John 1:1-3, Hebrews 1:2, 10).

3-HOLY SPIRIT-The HOLY SPIRIT moved over the waters (Hebrew: brooded as a bird over her young) (Genesis 1:2)

The Bible

1-GOD the FATHER-It is GOD the FATHER’s message to mankind (Revelation 1:1).  I have always found it amazing that GOD the SON, our LORD JESUS CHRIST never said or did anything on earth without first being told it by GOD the FATHER (John 12:49). When I learned that JESUS had to be made like HIS brethren/ those who would believe in HIM (Hebrews 2:17) it sure helped me understand that.  Also, the HOLY SPIRIT only tells people on earth that which HE hears from GOD the FATHER (John 16:13)

2-JESUS-The bible is about JESUS from Genesis where HE is called (the seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15), HE is the spirit of Prophesy (Revelation 19:10) And the Bible ends saying Come LORD JESUS (Revelation 22:20).

3-HOLY SPIRIT-The Bible was written as holy men of GOD were moved on by the HOLY SPIRIT to write down GOD’s words. (2 Peter 1:21)

JESUS the eternal Word takes on a body.

1-GOD the FATHER- It was FATHER’s plan (as they counseled together (Genesis 1:26) and GOD the FATHER sent HIS SON (John 3:16)

2-JESUS took on the form of man (Philippians 2:5-8)

3-HOLY SPIRIT-The HOLY SPIRIT came on Mary and the power of the Most High overshadowed her and the HOLY ONE born of Mary was called the SON of GOD (Luke 1:35)

JESUS baptism (John 3:13-17)

1-GOD the FATHER spoke aloud (Luke 3:22)

2-JESUS was baptized because it was the right thing to do- (Matthew 3:14-15) in obedience of being made like HIS brethren in all ways (Hebrews 2:17).

3-The HOLY SPIRIT descended to and remained on JESUS (Luke 3:22)

When JESUS was tempted

1-GOD the FATHER works all things after the counsel of HIS own will. GOD the FATHER is always in control (Ephesians 1:11) though HE may not engineer a struggle, not one trouble can happen to us without HIS permission (see Job chapters 1 and 2). Although the FATHER may allow trouble to come from an outside source, it is never allowed without a cause (Proverbs 26:2), that is MOST HIGH always has a plan and HIS intent for allowing something difficult is always to achieve a necessary good (Genesis 50:20).

2-JESUS after obediently following the lead of the HOLY SPIRIT into the wilderness, was tempted for forty days by the devil. (Luke 4:2). For HE had to be made like HIS brethren (those who would believe in HIM) in every way in order to become their High Priest (Hebrews 2:17).

3-HOLY SPIRIT-JESUS was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil (Matthew 4:1).

When a person becomes a child of GOD

1-GOD the FATHER-One becomes a child of GOD the FATHER (Hebrews 12:6-7, 9)

2-JESUS-When one believes in /trusts in JESUS blood to cleanse her from her sins and calls on the name of the LORD she is saved from the wrath of GOD and JESUS gives them the right to become a child of GOD (John 3:36, John 1:12-13).

3-HOLY SPIRIT-one is born again by the work of the HOLY SPIRIT (John 1:12-13, 3:5-8), and the HOLY SPIRIT gives her new life (Ephesians 2:5) placing her into the body of CHRIST which is the church (1 Corinthians 12:13, 27).

Developing us into godliness

1-FATHER GOD’s role in our childrearing is to discipline those HE accepts and loves and also to Provide whatever is necessary (Hebrews 12:6-7, 10-11).

2-JESUS nature is what we are being made like (Romans 8:29), HE intercedes and saves us to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25)

3-HOLY SPIRIT-The HOLY SPIRIT teaches us (John 14:26, 16:13) prays for our needs that we do not know how to pray for (Romans 8:26-27), HE also convicts us of sin (John 16:8) and explains GOD’s word to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-13).

In Prayer

1-GOD the FATHER-Prayer is to GOD the FATHER and HE bends down to hear us (John 16:23)

2-JESUS CHRIST-We are to pray in the name of JESUS CHRIST (John 16:23) and JESUS as our high priest understands what our specific needs are because HE was tempted in all ways like we are but without sin (Hebrews 4:15-16).

3-HOLY SPIRIT- the HOLY SPIRIT moves us to pray and edits our prayers for us (Romans 8:26-27).

In the crucifixion

1-GOD the FATHER-was by the definite plan and foreknowledge of GOD the FATHER (Acts 2:23)

2-JESUS bore our sins and sorrows on the cross (Isaiah 53:4-6) and disarmed the principalities and powers at the same time (Colossians 2:15).

3-HOLY SPIRIT-Through the HOLY SPIRIT JESUS offered HIMSELF (Hebrews 9:14)

Witnessing to the Lost (1 John 5:7).

1-GOD the FATHER-The message we are to give when witnessing is that GOD the FATHER loves us and sent HIS only SON to save us (John 3:16) and that GOD the FATHER raised JESUS from the dead (Romans 10:9)

2-JESUS –The message is that JESUS is GOD/ the LORD and HE willingly came to die for our sin (Philippians 2:5-8) so we could be reconciled to GOD the FATHER (Romans 5:10, 2 Corinthians 5:18) JESUS’ resurrection proved HE was the SON of GOD (Romans 1:4) a necessary part of believing (Romans 10:9)

3-The HOLY SPIRIT convicts the hearts of the men and shows them their need of a Savior (John 16:8).

There is no way we finite beings can fully understand the infinite YAHWAH/ the Great I AM- the Great 3 in 1 who is our GOD.  But have you caught a glimpse of the Trinity working together in unity?

1-GOD our Heavenly FATHER plans, provides and disciplines…

2-JESUS came,taught, did miracles, died, was resurrected, saves and ever lives to intercede for those who come to the FATHER through HIM (Hebrews 7:25).

3-The HOLY SPIRIT teaches, comforts, leads, equips (using the supplies given by GOD the FATHER) and empowers us who believe.

Praise the FATHER, Praise the SON, Praise the SPIRIT, 3 in ONE.  GOD of glory, Majesty, Praise forever to the King of kings.

Show us more of YOURSELF LORD, show us more of YOURSELF.

Hugs

Sharon

Must listen to learn

This old snapshot (around 1952) is of the June Lake, California’s one room schoolhouse. The schoolhouse was located on a high hill and was a mile from June Lake (note previous post) in one direction and a mile from the powerhouse in the opposite direction.  The students ranged from grade 1 through 8, and our teacher was my dad, Charles F McIntire. On the stairs in the middle (the short one) with all the curly hair is me and my older sister Rosie is directly below me sitting on a step. 

It was Dad’s 1st teaching job (1951), after the Navy in World War II and then switching careers.  It was my 1st school and Dad taught me my first 3 grades. It is where I learned to reason, to read and write and to add and subtract.

My Dad, Charles Franklin McIntire was known as Mr. McIntire by his students, Grandpa McIntire by his grandkids and Dad by his children.  Teaching just flowed from him naturally as he pointed out the colors in a sunrise or the designs on the wings of butterflies that he caught.  He developed within me an awareness of details and love of GOD’s creation with its colors, designs and sounds as well as igniting within me an eagerness to learn.

But only the ones who listen to the teacher learn what is being taught.  As one verse loosely translated goes, “If you want to learn, listen and you will understand” (Mark 4:9 NLT).  

There were field trips where we gained an appreciation for beauty and the wonder of GOD’s creation.  On one such trip down the hill and across the highway into the lush field by a tiny creek Dad caught a snake and told us that is was harmless.  I believed him so asked and was given the snake to carry back to the school.  All the way up the hill I had such fun running with the snake held out in front of me after different ones and scaring those little girls (who either had not listened to or didn’t believe Dad’s words about the snake being harmless).

It is the same today.  If we want to learn more about GOD and to know what HE wants us to do, we must get in HIS word and let the HOLY SPIRIT teach us.  If we are willing to do what GOD wants, we will know truth from error (John 7:17).

Hugs Sharon

PS again we see the TRINITY in how we who believe in JESUS learn truth and things concerning GOD and HIS ways. “The Comforter (the HOLY SPIRIT) whom GOD the FATHER will send in MY name (JESUS) HE will teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance…” (John 14:26).

Awakened by a thought

Have you ever been awakened in the middle of the night with a questionable thought? 

I was so awakened a little while ago. But I didn’t want to go there so I asked the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY to turn my thoughts where HE wanted them.  My thoughts began to swirl.  Because of the drastic change of the direction of my thoughts, I am now up writing.  I was just going to jot down the simple concept and handle it in the morning, but as I began to jot down the thoughts I knew, or I should say realized that was not what the LORD wanted of me.

Only through the HOLY SPIRIT can people understand what GOD means (1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

The HOLY SPIRIT only relays to us humans that which HE has heard the FATHER tell HIM to say (John 16:13).

It is Our Heavenly FATHER from whom all blessings flow who told the HOLY SPIRIT what to place in the hearts and minds of holy men moving them to write the scriptures according to their own personalities (2 Peter 1:20-21).  And all of the holy scripture that they wrote points to JESUS and tells about HIM (Revelation 19:10, John 5:39, 46).

The Gospel of JESUS states that JESUS is GOD the Son who was given a human body and came to earth as a baby born of a virgin, grew up, lived, taught, healed sicknesses, was crucified on a cross where all the sins of mankind was placed on HIM.  JESUS died and on the 3^rd day HIS body was resurrected guaranteeing that all who believe in HIM will be resurrected to new, eternal life.

Being JESUS had never sinned, although tempted in all ways as we humans are (Hebrews 4:14-15), JESUS was the perfect substitutional sacrifice without spot (a sin nature passed on by a human father) or blemish (sin) and all who believe on JESUS are cleansed from all sin and are born again into the family of GOD through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT (John 3:3-6, 1:12-13).

When one believes in JESUS, GOD the FATHER sends the HOLY SPIRIT to come live within that one (John 7:38-39).  JESUS said it was better that HE/ JESUS go away so that the HOLY SPIRIT might come to each individual believer to comfort, lead, teach, remind of all that JESUS said as well as help the believer witness of JESUS and strengthen the believer in all ways (John 14:26, Philippians 2:13, Acts 1:8). 

When the HOLY SPIRIT comes, HE places us in JESUS CHRIST (1 Corinthians 12:13, 27) for it is in JESUS CHRIST alone where GOD’s love is found (Romans 8:39). The HOLY SPIRIT seals each believer to GOD.  Like pickles are sealed from spoilage until opened.  The HOLY SPRIT gives the believer new life and becomes the down payment assuring the believer that JESUS will come for him/her and take the believer with HIM to heaven on the day of redemption (otherwise spoken of as the Rapture Ephesians 1:13-14, 2:1, 4:30, 1 Thessalonians 1:17).

Again, let me say that the HOLY SPIRIT only teaches us what GOD our Heavenly FATHER and JESUS tells HIM to say.  HE takes what belongs to JESUS (and all that belongs to GOD the FATHER belongs to JESUS) and shows it little by little to the believer (John 16:13-15, 2 Corinthians 3:18) and reminds the believer of verses to help the believer stand against temptation or direct the believer in what to say or do (John 14:26).

Now can’t you see just a glimpse of the trinity in our salvation?  GOD the FATHER is from whom all blessings flow.  HE along with JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT devised a plan (Genesis 1:26).  HE as our Heavenly FATHER provides for us and disciplines us that we might grow in the divine nature (Hebrews 12:11). GOD the FATHER sent JESUS (who came willingly) to save us from our sin so we could come to the FATHER.

JESUS came, lived, suffered, died, rose again and now is interceding for us (Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:34) and our growth in CHRIST-likeness (Romans 8:29) at the right hand of GOD the FATHER.  JESUS is awaiting the appointed time to come get HIS church (true believers in HIM).

Meanwhile the HOLY SPIRIT is on earth. The person of the HOLY SPIRIT convicts us showing us our sin and need of JESUS (John 16:8).  JESUS is the only way to GOD the FATHER (1 Timothy 2:5, John 14:6).  When we believe, the HOLY SPIRIT gives us new birth, indwells us, teaches us, reminds us, leads us, and strengthens us. Through believers in JESUS the HOLY SPIRIT is restraining complete wickedness that will be unleashed when believers are taken out of this world to be with JESUS at the Rapture (catching away).

Each member of the Trinity honors the other members.  Sometimes it may look like the HOLY SPIRIT is in service to the others of the Trinity.  But all of the Trinity, even the FATHER are humble.  The only unforgivable sin is to blaspheme the HOLY SPIRIT.  We grieve and quench the HOLY SPIRIT with sin and refusal to obey HIS nudges.  If we pray to the FATHER in JESUS name (John 16:23), we are forgiven (1 John 1:9) and GOD the FATHER tells the HOLY SPIRIT to speak again to us.  But to blaspheme the HOLY SPIRIT is to refuse HIS message: JESUS saves.  NOTE: the only reason a human is thrown into the everlasting lake of fire is because he has refused to believe in JESUS and thus get his name written in the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 20:15).

Now it’s time to post this and get back into bed for I’ve appointments in the morning.

Hugs

Sharon

What in the world is going on?

Have you been wondering “What in the world is going on?

With all the catastrophes such as earthquakes all over, train wrecks, explosions, threats like those posed by the huge, suspected surveillance balloons in many places, the strange blue lights in the sky over Japan, plus so many health issues, one hardly knows who or what to pray for 1^st.  Yet my thoughts and prayers keep going back to Turkey.  Turkey that was highlighted in the Bible as having the 7 churches JESUS speaks directly to In Revelation 2 and 3.  Turkey I’m sure you know has had more than 90 aftershocks (both big and small) after the 1^st two huge earthquakes (7.6+) with the NY Post reporting on February 18, 2023 of over 46,000 casualties.  Geophysicists also say there is more coming.

I wonder if the LORD keeps turning my mind (Proverbs 21:1) to Turkey to remind me of GOD’s faithfulness to me personally when I was in Turkey.  For as I remember HIS faithfulness to me, I am not fearful but can trust HIM, the only great GOD, while the world is in such an upheaval.  For only as I look to HIM in trust am I able to walk by faith in my Sovereign good GOD and not by what I see  around me (Habakkuk 2:4, 1 Corinthians 5:7).

I thank GOD for the 30+% of the Bible that is prophesy (telling of things to come before they happened).  So many of those prophesies have already come true which assures us that the rest will materialize as well.  The prophesy fulfilled gives credence to the Bible and is never meant to scare people but to prepare them for what is coming.  JESUS also said, “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe” (John 14:29).

In October of 1995 a team us traveled to the Muslim country of Turkey, on what was called a prayer journey.  We went to pray for the people of Turkey, to confess the horrible sins of Christians during the Crusades and to pray at the locations of the 7 churches of Revelation 2 and 3. What we saw in those 7 locations was mostly ruins.  The picture shows some of my teammates going down in the ruins of the amphitheater in Ephesus. 

We arrived in Istanbul and experienced a mild earthquake, just a tremor- a shaking more than anything.  During our travels, one late afternoon before dusk, we were headed up a winding mountain road.  It seemed like one lane to me, but vehicles traveled both ways on it. Occasionally a car would be coming down from the opposite direction and we would pull closely to the edge of the road and stop.  Suddenly, we saw a bus headed straight toward us and there was nowhere to pull over to, but we stopped.  I was sure we would go over the ledge so took a deep breath and prayed.  The bus barely missed us.  Though shaken we continued to the high place we had been heading for.

Once back in the States, I visited a Bible study of ladies who had promised to pray for me on the journey to give a report detailing highlights of the trip.  Before I began to speak, one gal said tearfully, “I promised to pray for you, but I kept forgetting.  Then early one morning while still dark, on the way to work, I just had to stop and pray for you. I prayed and prayed until the burden lifted.”

I asked Monica about what time that happened.  As far as we could figure with the time difference between the countries, GOD made her stop and pray just as that bus headed our way. To me that shouted GOD’s word is true.

“Faithful is HE who calls you who will also do it.” GOD was faithful to protect us and faithful to enable Monica to do what HE had assigned for her to do at the right time, which enabled her to be faithful to her promise.

“So that we may boldly say, The LORD is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13:6).  That adventure speaks loudly of the faithfulness of GOD, and enable me to trust in GOD’s goodness and control in what I don’t like or understand.

To us who belong to JESUS, HE said, “Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid believe…” (John 14:1) and we are also told to, “examine yourself to see if you are in the faith…”  (2 Corinthians 13:5).

To the church of Ephesus JESUS said, “You have left you 1^st love… repent… or I will remove your lampstand” (Revelation 2:4-5).  There is no lampstand/ church (Revelation 1:20) in Ephesus.  What does that tell you? It tells me that GOD keeps HIS word.

For GOD declares HE is going to punish sin, since sin destroys.  On the other hand, there is forgiveness if one believes in the LORD JESUS CHRIST and GOD is faithful to all believers in JESUS who have become HIS children by believing the Gospel which is the good news that GOD loves mankind and sent HIS only SON to earth (John 3:16) to reveal the nature of GOD to us (John 14:7) and then to die for the sins of mankind that we might be forgiven and reconciled to GOD. and that JESUS was raised again to life to be declared the Son of GOD with power- (Romans 1:4). GOD promises to work all things (good and bad) together for an end result of good for those who love HIM (Romans 8:28).

If you who do not know JESUS, I urge you in the name of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, call upon the name of the LORD and be saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

Hugs

Sharon

It’s all in who you know

With that crazy June snow and then all the rain the grass really grew tall fast. I was amazed the grass across the street at the park was literally over a foot high before they finally mowed it.

Sometimes knowing the right person will open doors for you that otherwise are slammed shut.

My great grandson Riley, 14, decided he wanted a part time job this summer and got a job mowing this lady’s lawn.  Well, her son had a mowing business but now was old enough and got a job with the city.  So, the lady seeing Riley as proactive and a diligent worker referred all her son’s clients to him.  Now Riley has a thriving part time business that allows him freedom to enjoy his summer too along with an income.

We find that WHO we know opens doors for us with GOD.

Jesus said, “… Because I go to the FATHER (GOD)” (John 16:17)  ^“And in that day you shall ask ME nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever, you shall ask the FATHER (GOD) in MY name (according to MY nature), HE will give it you (John 16:23).

 Wherefore HE (JESUS) is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto GOD by HIM…(Hebrews 7:25).

“For there is one GOD, and one mediator between GOD and men, the man CHRIST JESUS” (1 Timothy 2:5).

There is only one way to GOD.

He that believes on the SON (JESUS) has everlasting life: and he that believes not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides (stays) on him (John 3:36).

(nothing) “Not height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of GOD, which is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD (Romans 8:39).

WHY is that?  GOD is holy and cannot tolerate sin in any shape or form.  But HE is also love so HE wanted us in fellowship with HIM.  Therefore GOD provided a way to cleanse mankind from sin.  JESUS came and died to bear our sin for us.  But only the ones who accept that payment by calling on the name of the LORD JESUS (Romans 10:9-10, 13) have had their sins forgiven, washed away by JESUS blood.

Without the suffering of JESUS CHRIST, man could not be reconciled to GOD. Without the death of JESUS CHRIST man could not be reconciled to GOD. Without the resurrection from the dead of JESUS CHRIST on the third day, man could not be reconciled to GOD.

But we see “… that GOD was in CHRIST, reconciling the world unto HIMSELF, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and has committed unto us (who believe in JESUS) the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19).

We also need to remember that without the giving of the Law, man would not recognize that he is a sinner and in need of forgiveness.

“Therefore, by the deeds of the law no flesh (person) will be justified in HIS (GOD’s) sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin (Romans 3:20).

Have you called on the name of the LORD so that you are forgiven?  If so, you have the right and privilege to ask the sovereign LORD GOD ALMIGHTY-GOD the FATHER for things in the name of JESUS and they will be given to you.

Hugs

Sharon